A37205:184
The power of Congregational churches asserted and vindicated in answer to a treatise of…
The power of Congregational churches asserted and vindicated in answer to a treatise of Mr. J. Paget entitled The defence of church-government exercised in classes and synods / by John Davenport.The power of Congregational churches asserted and vindicated in answer to a treatise of Mr. J. Paget intituled The defence of church-government exercised in classes and synods / by John Davenport.
London: printed for Rich. Chiswell and to be sold by John Usher of Boston, 1672
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
2. It is a sin against the second Commandment in such, as having means and opportunity, neglect to join, as Members ⟨p. 129⟩in a particular Congregation, because it is God's Ordinance, and revealed Will, 2 Cor. 8.5. But Classical Jurisdiction over particular Churches, and their subjection thereunto, is no Ordinance of Christ, and therefore it is so far from being necessary, that it is not lawful; but against the second Commandment, which forbiddeth mens inventions in God's worship, that it may establish only God's Ordinances therein. Others argue thus: As, though a Town or Family, being alone, may govern, as a complete Body; yet, when it stands in a Common-wealth, it may not be so independent, but must submit to Combinations: So, though when a particular Congregation is alone, it may govern as complete, yet not so, when it is among other Churches.
2. It is a sin against the second Commandment in such, as having means and opportunity, neglect to joyn, as Members ⟨p. 129⟩in a particular Congregation, because it is God's Ordinance, and revealed Will, 2 Cor. 8.5. But Classical Jurisdiction over particular Churches, and their subjection thereunto, is no Ordinance of Christ, and therefore it is so far from being necessary, that it is not lawful; but against the second Commandment, which forbiddeth mens inventions in God's worship, that it may establish only God's Ordinances therein. Others argue thus: As, though a Town or Family, being alone, may govern, as a compleat Body; yet, when it stands in a Common-wealth, it may not be so independent, but must submit to Combinations: So, though when a particular Congregation is alone, it may govern as compleat, yet not so, when it is among other Churches.
Answ. 1. There is not a like reason of Churches, and of Towns or Families in this respect. For civil Societies are more left to Rules of Humane prudence, by the great Ru of the World, than Churches are. Therefore civil Societies may be of several constitutions, have different Laws and Privileges, and admit various forms of Government; provided that they be not against Moral Rules and the good of the People. But in this Spiritual